First Hand Stories Of Security Escorts To Royalty And Politicians Are Shared In Book Documenting A Life In The Role, Including Personal Experiences Of Diana And Churchill

The two Princes and their mother, Princess Diana, in SEG uniforms at the ‘Garage’ in Barnes / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

By Tom Dare

A SERIES OF FASCTINATING IMAGES FROM a new book documenting the history of the elite police force responsible for escorting the Royal family around London have been published for the first time.

Pictures from ‘Escorting the Monarch: We Lead, Others Follow’ by Chris Jagger show Prince’s William and Harry perched on one of the Special Escort Group’s (SEG) motorbikes while mother Diana looks on, while another shows former U.S. President George Bush Snr. posing on one of the force’s bikes.

President George Bush Snr sitting aloft an SEG motorcycle outside Winfield House. Bush is a huge fan of the SEG / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

Further images from the book show former Japanese leader Emperor Hirohito inspecting an SEG line-up in 1971, while Princess Diana can be seen donning one of the force’s overalls for another picture.

The new book examines the history of the SEG, a unit of the Metropolitan Police Force responsible for escorting high profile figures around London and ensuring their safety. From queens, kings, presidents and emperors, to priceless works of art, terrorists and high-risk prisoners, the SEG are responsible for ensuring the safety of them all.

Emperor Hirohito inspecting the SEG at the end of his visit 1971 / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

Written by the son of a retired SEG officer who himself served in the British Government’s security and intelligence community, Escorting the Monarch is told, in part, through first hand stories and anecdotes gleaned from former officers of the group.

And author Chris Jagger says that his experiences growing up were one of the main reasons he decided to write the book.

First man in space, Yuri Gagarin, together with his SEG escort / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

“When I decided to write ‘Escorting the Monarch,’ there were several motivating factors,” he says.

“Son of a retired SEG officer, I’d been raised on fun stories of the groups adventures. Many provided incredible insights to a world that was otherwise closed off. As a teen, I had the privilege of spending a day here and there to watch the SEG at work – a visit to a secret office or a royal palace was often on the cards.

The author with the Icelandic President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who holds a copy of his book / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

“For a young north London lad, this was very inspiring to say the least.

“From the perspective of the public, I should imagine that their work appears to be relatively straight forward. However, those who have seen them at work will appreciate that to make something look so elegant requires incredible levels of skill – and practice! The SEG are visually well known to many, but the stories that build their six and half decades of service are entirely unknown – until now.”

One of the main responsibilities of the SEG is to escort and protect the royal family, with their transportation to and from special events the sole responsibility of the police unit.

And Chris says this close relationship has created a special bond between the royals and the SEG.

1985. SEG group photo at Hendon Police College / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

“The royal family have a huge respect and trust in the SEG,” he says.

“They are a tiny group – approximately 30 officers at any one time, and many of them will serve 10-15 years in the group. They are with the royals day-in-day-out.

Inspector John Gouldsmith, Head of the SEG, Sergeant John Swain, and Princess Diana following an SEG go-kart charity event / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

“For the group to do their job effectively, they must have the trust and understanding of those they are charged to protect. The relationship is professional but kind and based on a mutual respect. There is always a line which keeps things non-personal, but occasionally royals will spend time with the group on a more personal basis as a way of showing their appreciation.

Two armed officers pose outside Buckingham Palace with a copy of Chris’s book / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

“The book contains many previously ‘unknown’ insights and anecdotes into the visits of some incredible people; Marshall Tito, the first man and women in space, various US presidents, kings and queens, the Emperor of Japan, Nelson Mandela to name but a few. It also offers unique perspectives on the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Mountbatten and Princess Diana.

10th April 2017. SEG turning at the funeral of PC Keith Palmer / Pen and Sword History / mediadrumworld.com

“Not to mention escorts of IRA prisoners, gold bullion and even the Turin Cloth.”

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